There are not too many jockeys to have covered as much ground as the Irish born Eoin Walsh who has enjoyed a successful racing career as a rider and in other roles in England, Bahrain and Dubai and, for the last couple of years, in Australia. We learn more about him…
Do you come from a horse/racing family?
No, unfortunately I don’t! My dad’s a politician so I suppose that helps me make excuses with owners!
Did you always want to be a jockey?
No, I wanted to play Gaelic football.
What is your first racing memory?
Surprisingly, getting up early to watch the Melbourne Cup. I remember setting my alarms just to get up and watch it.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Empress Of The Sun – I ride her every morning at Ciaron Maher’s. She’s no superstar but I just like her.
Who is the best horse you have ridden?
Raceday – I would say Cape Byron for Roger Varian and Sheikh Obaid. When I won on him he was favourite for the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot (the same race Black Caviar won) – he beat Khadeem who went on to win it twice after but unfortunately that would be his last race.
Who is the best horse you have seen?
I worked in Newmarket for ten years so I’ve seen many a star in the morning time.
Your favourite racing moment?
Definitely this year when I won the Launceston Guineas with my brother and his family there. It was the first time he has seen me ride a winner live.
Your best ride?
I got a Lester in the UK for winning a race on a horse called Storm Lightning- it’s the equivalent of a Scobie I would say.
Best ride of another jockey you have seen?
Declan Bates on Pride Of Jenni in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Is there a ride you wish you could do again?
Any losing one. Unless they gave me a difficult time!
Which horse currently racing would you love to be riding?
Ka Ying Rising – he’s just printing money at this point.
Which horse from the past would you love to have ridden?
Frankel – he was just a freak.
Do you think horses know they have won?
I’ve had a couple horses recently drop their head at the right time for a photo so I hope so.
If you time travel into a past racing moment what would it be?
I took a ride on an “aeroplane” for Robert Cowell and I missed Declan Bates’ wedding with his lovely wife Jen. Safe to say my filly got beat and they’ve never let me forget it!
Who do you admire most in racing?
Pat Smullen – I started off my apprenticeship with Dermot Weld. He babysat me from day one and gave me all his old racing gear when I started pony racing. What he did for cancer research when he was sick was unbelievable. He was just a great man.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
Raceday abandonments due to track conditions.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
I filled one my friend’s goggles with skittles and he pulled down his goggles in front of the trainer and they all fell out!
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Catching up on sleep!
What is your favourite movie?
Good Will Hunting – best movie I’ve ever watched.
Best concert you’ve seen?
Zach Bryan’s first concert outside America or Green Day.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
What will be, will be!
Favourite food?
Steak.
Favourite racecourse?
Flemington.
If you had not been a jockey what would you have done?
I’m not sure if I’d make a living out of it but I love cooking so maybe a chef.
